For students who want fast results—not slow, once-a-week progress—the Intensive English Program (IEP) at ALEI is built like a full-time job. Long days. Structured classes. Constant exposure. It’s the kind of program people choose when English isn’t a side goal anymore, but the main focus.
If you’re considering ALEI’s IEP and wondering what “full-time” really means, what options exist, and whether it’s worth the commitment, here’s the complete, no-marketing-spin breakdown.
What Is the Intensive English Program (IEP) at ALEI?
ALEI’s Intensive English Program is designed for students who want to improve English quickly and measurably through daily, immersive instruction. Unlike part-time ESL classes that meet a few hours a week, the IEP follows a full-time academic schedule, similar to a college or university workload.
The program targets all core language skills—speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary—within a structured curriculum aligned with internationally recognized ESL standards such as the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The CEFR framework is detailed by the Council of Europe here: https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages
In simple terms, ALEI’s IEP is meant for students who want English to become their daily environment, not an occasional subject.
Who Is the ALEI IEP Designed For?
The full-time IEP typically attracts three main groups of students.
First, international students preparing for academic study in English-speaking institutions. Second, professionals who need strong English for career advancement, licensing, or workplace communication. Third, motivated beginners or intermediate learners who want to move up levels faster than part-time programs allow.
This isn’t a casual course. ALEI expects regular attendance, participation, and consistent effort—very similar to expectations outlined by university-affiliated ESL programs referenced by Cambridge English (https://www.cambridgeenglish.org).
Full-Time Study Options: What “Intensive” Really Looks Like
While schedules can vary slightly by campus or intake period, ALEI’s Intensive English Program generally runs Monday through Friday, with multiple hours of instruction per day.
Here’s what a typical full-time structure looks like.
| Component | Typical Weekly Hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom Instruction | 18–22 hours |
| Speaking & Listening Labs | 4–6 hours |
| Reading & Writing Practice | 4–6 hours |
| Assessments & Projects | Ongoing |
| Total Weekly Commitment | 25–30+ hours |
This workload aligns with full-time ESL definitions used by many accredited language programs and immigration-recognized study paths.
Core Subjects Covered in the ALEI IEP
The IEP isn’t just “more English.” It’s balanced English.
Speaking and Pronunciation
Daily speaking activities, presentations, role-plays, and guided discussions. Pronunciation and clarity are emphasized early, especially for beginners and intermediate students.
Listening Comprehension
Students work with structured audio, lectures, and real-life listening tasks. This follows best practices promoted by organizations like the British Council, which stress active listening for fluency development (https://www.britishcouncil.org/education/learn-english).
Reading Skills
From short texts at lower levels to academic-style passages at higher levels, reading builds vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence.
Writing and Grammar
Grammar is taught in context, not isolation. Writing tasks range from simple paragraphs to structured essays, reports, and summaries depending on level.
Vocabulary Development
High-frequency, academic, and functional vocabulary are built systematically across levels.
Levels Available Within the Intensive Program
The ALEI IEP typically spans the full range of English proficiency:
Beginner
Elementary
Intermediate
Upper-Intermediate
Advanced
Placement into these levels is determined by the ALEI placement test, not by self-selection. This mirrors CEFR-based placement systems used globally to ensure students are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged.
How Fast Can Students Progress?
This is one of the biggest reasons students choose the IEP.
Because English exposure is daily and intensive, many students advance one full level in 8–12 weeks, depending on starting proficiency, attendance, and engagement. Progress is monitored continuously through quizzes, speaking evaluations, and written assessments.
That pace is significantly faster than part-time programs, which often take double or triple the time to produce similar gains.
Attendance and Academic Expectations
Full-time means full responsibility.
ALEI’s IEP typically requires:
High attendance (often 80–90% minimum)
Active classroom participation
Completion of assignments and assessments
Regular progress evaluations
These standards are consistent with full-time ESL programs recognized by academic institutions and immigration authorities in many countries, including those referenced by U.S. adult ESL education guidelines (https://www.usa.gov/learn-english).
Is the ALEI IEP Suitable for Beginners?
Yes—but with an important caveat.
Beginners who choose the intensive track should be prepared for:
Faster pacing
Daily English-only environments
Regular speaking from day one
For motivated beginners, this can be incredibly effective. For hesitant learners, it can feel demanding at first—but most adjust within the first few weeks.
FAQs:
How many hours per week is ALEI’s Intensive English Program?
Usually between 25 and 30+ hours including instruction and practice.
Can international students enroll full-time?
Yes, subject to ALEI’s enrollment and visa policies.
How long does each IEP level last?
Most levels run 8–12 weeks, depending on progress.
